Crossblades FC 1 The Cavalier FC 4
Played at: Melksham Oak Community School
11th September 2001 @ 1045am
In blustery weather conditions, Crossblades slumped to a second successive defeat against a good Cavalier side.
With Grist winning the toss, Crossblades were immediatley under pressure, with the Cavalier Captain deciding to switch ends and take full advantage of the strong winds. Cavalier started brightly, with Roger Wiltshire spreading the ball around the park and Crossblades defending way to deep.
Crossblades Captain Tim Chilton managed to get hold of the ball on a few occassions and play some nice passes and through balls to the forward players. Running against the wind and against a defence that was both strong and able to play the ball, Crossblades found it difficult to trouble Rogers in the Cavalier goal.
A short way in to the game, the pace of Dan Rance caught Crossblades unaware, and he burried his shot confidently and gave Cavalier an early lead.
Good running down the wings from Walker and Wright, providing some relief from the constant pressure, but Crossblades could not convert the final ball in to goal scoring opportunities. Jacobi ran hard through out the game, but due to the immense pressure Cavalier were putting us under, he played some what as a lone striker. Jacobi held the ball up well, and linked well with Webb and Chilton.
A somewhat fortunate goal from Kelham Shearing took the score to 2-0, before Roger Wiltshire hit a screamer from distance to beat John Hampshire and take Cavalier to a 3-0 half time lead.
Hampshire continued to keep Cavalier at bay, pulling of yet more good saves and showing himself to be a quality keeper. If it wasn't for Liam Matthews solid performance at centre back, Crossblades would certainly find themselves yet more goals behind.
Sadly a defence mix up left John Stockman free to tap in Cavalier's 4th and final goal.
It took Crossblades some time to find their feet and attack the Cavalier goal with Rogers being untroubled througout most of this match. Will Wright continued to run hard down the left handside, and with Chilton moving to centre back and pairing up with Liam Matthews to good effect, Jacl Lowe was give some freedom to attack from central midfield. This change proved effective, with Jacobi taking the ball wide of goal on a good run and finding Walker with a good low Cross. Walker kept his composure and gave Crossblades a consolation goal.
This was a bizzarre game of football, while the Cavalier were deserved winners of a match that they controlled throughout, Crossblades did not play badly and can take positives in to their next game.
Player Manager Jimmy Squire was missed today, but was dissapointed that Crossblades were not vocal enough on the pitch. With a few good individual performances from Will Wright, Tim Chilton, Liam Matthews and John Hampshire, Jimmy believes it was 'just one of those days'. Again, Liam proved that he is an outstanding defender by being strong on the ball, good in the air and always fighting for the team. Jack Lowe will be moving to midfiled from now on (unless needed in defence), and at only 17 years of age, has a bright future ahead of him. If Crossblades can get hold of the ball in the middle of the park, then we are sure Jacobi will prove a great goal scorer, in games like these he simply did not get the service he requires.
Positives: John Hampshire was again solid in the Crossblades goal, pulling of many top class save. Liam Matthews was outstanding in defence. Ben Rees was solid at left back in his first game of the season, Jack Lowe was strong in the air, and played well upon moving in to midfiled. Chris Walker made some good runs and took a well taken goal. Mike Booth's first game back for many months, and he played very well and lasted much longer than anticipated. Carl Jacobi fought hard as a lone striker, always causing the centre backs problems. Rob Eardley continued to improve on pre-season, in an unfamiliar role at right back. Adam Webb held on to the ball well, and made a lot of good forward runs. Will Wright has learnt he must defend, and put in an energetic and solid performance on the wing. Mark Owen came on as a sub, and fought for Crossblades till the final whistle, always being a menace to the Cavalier players by disrupting their play with his new found defensive skills.
Negatives: Players need to move to the ball, and not wait for it, win it first time, not be afraid to challenge or head it. No more letting that ball bounce. Nees to make sure we stick to our positions and hold our shape. Need to release the ball a little earlier. Every player needs to be more vocal, talk to the players around them
Managers Man of The Match for Crossblades: Tim Chilton
Managers Man of the Match for Cavalier: Kelham Shearing
